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Travel destination in India, Kalimpong

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General Information about KALIMPONG
Kalimpong :
Area : 1056 sq km.
Altitude : 1250 m (4100 ft).
Languages : Nepali, Hindi, English, Tibetan and Bengali.
Best Time to Visit : March to mid June & Sept. to November.
State : West Bengal.
STD Code : 03552.

About Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok. Like the other hill towns, Kalimpong bears a name of historic significance. Once the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor, the word 'Kalim' means King's Minister and 'pong' - the stronghold hence the stronghold of the King's minister. Nearest rail head is New Jalpaiguri. 53 kms from Darjeeling at an altitude of 1219 M lies Kalimpong.

Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.

The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes its name from the Bhutanese kings ministers stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : Siliguri's Bagdogra airport is the nearest - 80 km away. Taxis can be hired at the airport for Kalimpong. The trip takes around 3.5 hours.

By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction ( 68 km ), and New Jalpaiguri ( 77 km ). Railway tickets for trains ex-New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri can be purchased from the Railway Out Agency, Motor Stand, Kalimpong.

By Road : Bus & Jeep There are frequent jeeps for the three hour trip to Darjeeling. The buses are so much less frequent, slower and more uncomfortable that it's hardly worth the small cost saving. All transport, other than taxis, leaves from the Bazaar bus stand.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KALIMPONG

• Yumthang-Valley : Yumthang-Valley - 145 km form Gangtok. North Sikkim plays a vital role in Sikkim tourism. It is called as the flower valley, replete with 500 waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and the majestic snow covered Himalayas. All these make North Sikkim a heaven in earth. A typical North Sikkim tour starts from Gangtok then via Kabi Lungtsok 23 km, Phodong 40 km, Mangan 67 km, Singhik 72 km, Chungthang 98 km, Lachung 117 km to 141 km away flower valley Yumthang. On the way lies Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Kanchandzonga National Park.

• Flower Nurseries : Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladiolas and is an important orchid - growing area; flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. The Sri Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important in the area. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in cacti. There's a flower festival in Kalimpong in October.

• Dr Graham's Home : It takes less than an hour to walk from the town centre up through stands of bamboo to Dr Graham's Home, which was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deole Hill. The school was established to educate the children of tea workers. There are now 1300 students and the grounds cover 193 hectares.

Enrolment is open to all, but there is a reserve quota for children from economically deprived backgrounds. Visitors are welcome to the turn-of-the-century school buildings, and many people picnic in the attractive grounds.

From the school itself, it is a 40 minute walk to the summit of Deole Hill, where there are fine views over Kalimpong.
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